Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Tongue Cancer - Squamous Cell Type
• SCC of Tongue

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue? (Definition/Background Information)

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of Tongue is a common malignant tumor that typically affects elderly men and women. It is more aggressive than conventional squamous cell carcinoma affecting other body regions
• The cause of the condition is unknown, but genetic mutations may be involved. Factors that may influence its development include smoking and chewing of tobacco, radiation treatment for other reasons, and exposure to coal tar and arsenic
• The squamous cell carcinoma may appear as slow-growing skin lesions. The lesions may ulcerate and cause scarring of the tongue. It may be difficult to eat, swallow food, or even to speak
• The treatment of choice is a surgical excision (glossectomy) with clear margins followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy, as decided by the healthcare provider. In majority of the cases, the prognosis is good with appropriate treatment
• Nevertheless, the prognosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue depends upon many factors including the stage of the tumor and health status of the affected individual. There is a possibility of local or regional metastasis, which can involve the lymph nodes. This may dictate the course of the condition

Who gets Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue generally affects elderly or older adults; some cases rarely develop in children too
• It can occur in both males and females
• SCC is generally prevalent worldwide, though dark-skinned individuals (Asians and Africans) are affected less than lighter-skinned individuals (Europeans and Americans)

What are the Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue include:

• Smoking and chewing of tobacco are strong risk factors for this type of Tongue Cancer
• Radiation therapy in the region of the tongue (such as to the face or throat)
• Arsenic exposure
• Coal tar exposure
• Individuals with weak immune system, which could be due to cancer treatment, AIDS, or those on immunosuppressant drugs after receiving an organ transplant
• Caucasians are more vulnerable compared to other dark-skinned individuals

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue? (Etiology)

• Currently, the cause of formation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue is unknown
• However, genetic mutations have been detected, which are currently being characterized
• Smoking or chewing of tobacco have been indicated as strong risk factors for the formation of this cancer type

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue?

The signs and symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue include:

• In majority of the cases, the condition is asymptomatic and does not present any signs or symptoms (during the initial period)
• Generally, squamous cell carcinomas are slow-growing tumors; though SCC of Tongue is an aggressive form of cancer
• The skin lesions may appear as crusted ulcer, plaques, and nodules
• It may ulcerate and bleed. Occasionally, after the ulcer heals, it may become ulcerated again
• The size of the lesions range from 1-10 cm; average size is usually less than 3 cm
• Individuals with immunocompromised states have more aggressive tumors
• Due to the presence of the tongue lesion, it may be difficult for the individual to consume food and drink. Also, speaking may be difficult and painful

How is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue is made by:

• Complete physical examination with detailed medical history evaluation
• Examination by a dermatologist using a dermoscopy, a special device to examine the skin
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation

Although the above modalities can be used to make an initial diagnosis, a tissue biopsy of the tumor is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis to begin treatment.

Tissue biopsy: A portion of the tongue tumor is removed for biopsy.

• A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

In case of metastatic SCC, the following diagnostic procedures can be used to procure the tissue sample: 

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the tumor: A FNA biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a FNA biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy is preferred
• Core biopsy or open biopsy of the tumor: Generally, these methods are not suited or preferred

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue?

The possible complications due to Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue could be:

• Severe discomfort while eating, chewing, or swallowing food; this can even lead to weight loss
• A partial of complete loss of taste sensation
• They can metastasize to the lymph nodes; SCC of Tongue has a higher chance of metastasis than if they are at other locations
• Tumors that invade into nerves (perineurial invasion) have higher chances of recurrence and metastasis
• Tumors that are over 2 cm in size have a higher incidence of recurrence and metastasis, than tumors that are less than 2 cm in size
• Severe emotional and psychological stress
• Complications that arise from cancer therapy (such as due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy)

How is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue Treated?

Early diagnosis and treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue is important to avoid complications such as metastasis to other regions. The treatment measures may include:

• In most cases, a wide surgical excision and removal of the entire tumor is the preferred treatment option (partial or complete glossectomy). This may be followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy
• If the tumor has metastasized (in rare cases), then a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and invasive procedures may be used to treat the tumor
• Targeted therapy medications are generally used for locally infiltrated or metastatic SCCs. This therapy destroys the tumor cells by acting against the proteins that are responsible for tumor growth
• Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue be Prevented?

A few methods to prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue include:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene
• Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking

Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations, are mandatory, due to its high metastasizing potential and possibility of recurrence. Often several years of active vigilance is necessary.

What is the Prognosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In general, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue is an aggressive form of cancer. If metastasis (such as to the local lymph nodes) is observed, then the prognosis is guarded or unpredictable
• Tumors in their early stage with complete excisional treatment typically have good prognosis
• In cases of metastasis, its prognosis depends upon a set of several factors that include:
  • Stage of tumor: With lower-stage tumors, when the tumor is confined to site of origin, the prognosis is usually excellent with appropriate therapy. In higher-stage tumors, such as tumors with metastasis, the prognosis is poor
  • The surgical respectability of the tumor (meaning, if the tumor can be removed completely) 
  • Overall health of the individual: Individuals with overall excellent health have better prognosis compared to those with poor health
  • Age of the individual: Older individuals generally have poorer prognosis than younger individuals
  • Whether the tumor is occurring for the first time, or is a recurrent tumor. Recurring tumors have a poorer prognosis compared to tumors that do not recur
  • Response to treatment: Tumors that respond to treatment have better prognosis compared to tumors that do not respond so well to treatment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/